What Size Propane Tank Do I Need? (120 to 1,000 Gallons)

The right tank size depends on what you run on propane and how often you want deliveries. Here's the quick orientation.

Common residential sizes

• 100–120 gallon (often vertical): good for light loads — a cooktop, a fireplace, a dryer, or a backup generator.
• 250 gallon: a step up for water heating plus a couple of appliances, or modest supplemental heat.
• 500 gallon: the workhorse for whole-home heating in most houses. Fewer fills, comfortable buffer in winter.
• 1,000 gallon: large homes, high heating demand, pool heating, or properties that want to buy ahead in bulk.

How to choose

Match the tank to your peak demand (usually winter heating), not your average. A tank that's too small means frequent fills and run-out risk; too large costs more upfront but means fewer deliveries and more room to buy when prices are low. Note that tanks are filled to about 80% for safe expansion, so usable capacity is less than the rated size.

Own vs. lease

You can own your tank or lease one from the supplier. Owning gives flexibility; leasing avoids the upfront cost. Either way, Propane Alliance members get wholesale-linked pricing — many of our members own their tanks and still save.